It wasn’t easy but it was a huge win in the 2026 volleyball opener for the Pointers.
Mineral Point in a sweep at New Glarus 3-0. Scores were 25-15, 31- 29, 25-20
A bright spot for the Pointers was getting an unexpected lift from a player from Belgium as Thimea Leclef has joined the team. More on that later.
The win was both fun and challenging for coach Kari Kabat.
“This was a really good test of our depth tonight,” Kabat said. “With an early season injury to one of our should be starting middles, we had to pivot quickly this week to find a new lineup. We tried different things tonight and we really just battled and held it together for every point.”
Kabat knows exactly when the team came together.
“It was late in set 2 when we were down a few times on their set point and we just found a way to keep siding out,” Kabat said. “I am really proud of our girls all the way around. We are consistently playing 11-12 kids right now which is unheard of. That goes to show our depth and how they are all battling every day which makes our time together in the gym all the more competitive and how we keep elevating each other.”
Kabat sees the future as very bright for the Pointers. “I am really excited to see this team grow together this season and tonight was a great start.” Now about the newcomer …
“It also really helps having a foreign exchange student who has been playing volleyball a long time in her home country of Belgium,” Kabat pointed out. “Thimea Leclef was an unexpected addition to our team this year and did a great job adjusting tonight.”
Others who stepped up for the Pointers included:
-Brynn Swenson had to sacrifice and play some middle for us tonight and led us offensively. – Ava Ingwell is just an animal on defense and literally picks up everything. We can’t do what we do without her.
-Bree Swenson has just been amazingly consistent and always finds a way to find the open shot offensively, but she is most impressive with her defense and passing.
-Tenleigh Bockhop and Kinlee Prust gave us sparks tonight when we needed it. Kinlee had some good
blocks and Tenleigh is using her power more and has a great serve for us.
-The Millers have worked their tails off this summer and it shows with more consistent setting especially out of system.
-Kendall Wenger has been a pleasant surprise and is working hard to find a spot in the rotation. She has a killer serve.
-Austy Kinch and Kinley Swenson are both doing a great job of setting a good block and being consistent with keeping the ball in play and finding openings around the block.
“Every single person did their job tonight and we can’t ask for more than that!” Kabat said. “It’s a great start!”
Stat Leaders:
Kills- Brynn Swenson 14, Thimea Leclef 8
Assists – Sophie Miller 24, Sadie Miller 15 Aces – Bree Swenson 2, Kendall Wenger 2
Blocks – Kinlee Prust & Bree Swenson 2 Digs – Ava Ingwell 14, Bree Swenson 11